We respect each other: Anupam Kher on Naseeruddin Shah's resurfaced 'clown' remark
Actor Anupam Kher has responded to Naseeruddin Shah's resurfaced "clown" remark, saying the two have always shared mutual respect despite their differences. He also alleged that the old clip resurfaced as a reaction to his recent remarks on the Ram Temple.
Actor Anupam Kher has responded to actor Naseeruddin Shah's resurfaced "clown" remark, saying the two have met, hugged and continue to share mutual respect despite their differences. Addressing the controversy, Kher claimed the six-year-old video was revived to troll him following his recent comments on the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Reacting to the resurfaced video, Kher shared a message on Instagram. He claimed the old clip was revived by people trying to target him over his recent remarks on the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
He said, "A few days ago, I visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and spoke about my feelings. Some people didn't like what I said because it didn't fit their agenda. They wanted to create a narrative and started looking for ways to target and troll me, to abuse me. An entire ecosystem was formed just to attack me. They said many things about me, but I only enjoyed it more because they worked so hard. When they had nothing else, they dug up a six-year-old video of Naseeruddin Shah, hoping to damage my reputation."
The 71-year-old actor clarified that his relationship with Shah remains cordial despite their past differences.
He said, "In reality, Naseer and I have met, hugged each other and respect one another. People even told me to let the matter go because it had been eight or nine months, but they forgot that I had already responded to that video back then and expressed how I felt."
Kher also said that everything he has achieved has come through hard work and that he would continue to stand by his beliefs.
"I want to say this openly: whatever I have achieved, I have earned through my own hard work. I have risen from the ground up with my values, my dedication and by the grace of God and Lord Ram. What exactly are you trying to make me afraid of? You have spent your lives trapped in your own egos. Why are you threatened by my shadow? Keep doing what you want. I will continue to stand by the truth," he added.
Kher also responded to those trolling him. He said his visit to Ayodhya reinforced his belief in speaking the truth. According to him, the Ram Mandir and the city have immense spiritual power. He said one could feel the presence of Lord Ram in every street and corner.
The Kashmir Files actor added that the temple's construction after 500 years proved that truth ultimately prevails. He also said some people would continue searching for new ways to target him. However, those who speak the truth, he added, do not have to remember what they have said because they are not inventing stories.
Concluding his message, Kher wished everyone well and said he was happy. He shared that the film he is currently shooting is progressing well. Describing Ayodhya as an extraordinary place, he said every street, corner and home seemed to bless visitors because of the countless prayers offered there.
Calling himself self-made, Kher said he was not afraid of criticism or abuse. He also recalled his father's advice that if a person does not accept someone's insults, they return to the one who uttered them. He ended by saying that those abusing him were free to continue doing so.
Naseeruddin Shah's old video resurfaces
The actor's response came after a 2020 interview featuring Naseeruddin Shah began circulating online again. In the interview, Shah was asked about members of the film industry who had either criticised or supported the government.
Responding to the question, Shah said, "There are fewer than those who oppose it."
Speaking about Kher, he added, "Someone like Anupam Kher is very vocal. I don't think he needs to be taken seriously. He is a clown. Any number of his contemporaries from NSD and FTII can attest to his sycophantic nature. It's in his blood. He can't help it."
At the time, Kher had responded with a video message on X, saying Shah had a history of criticising several prominent personalities from the film industry.
In his response, Kher said he had never spoken ill of Shah but felt compelled to respond this time. He remarked that Shah had spent his life in frustration despite achieving so much.
The Padma Shri recipient also said that if Shah could criticise personalities such as Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan and Virat Kohli, then he was in good company.
Kher further claimed that none of those personalities had taken Shah's remarks seriously. He also alleged that Shah's long-term substance use had affected his ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
Anupam Kher on Ayodhya Ram Temple theft
During an interview with India Today, Anupam Kher was asked about the theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Responding to the question, the actor described the incident as minor when compared to historical attacks on temples.
Kher said the theft was insignificant when compared to historical attacks on temples. He referred to the destruction of temples during the Mughal era and spoke about the killing of Brahmins, the plundering of temple wealth and the sexual assault of women inside temple premises.
According to him, those were far greater tragedies, and if society could overcome that pain, the present incident was a very small matter in comparison.
He also said people were blowing the issue out of proportion by describing it as the looting of a temple. Reiterating his point, Kher again referred to instances from the Mughal period, including the destruction of temples, the killing of Brahmins, the looting of temple valuables and violence against women. He maintained that those events were much more serious and said the theft at the Ram Temple should be viewed in that context.
The actor will next be seen in Shri Ram Bhoomi, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. He also has Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 in the pipeline.
Actor Anupam Kher has responded to actor Naseeruddin Shah's resurfaced "clown" remark, saying the two have met, hugged and continue to share mutual respect despite their differences. Addressing the controversy, Kher claimed the six-year-old video was revived to troll him following his recent comments on the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Reacting to the resurfaced video, Kher shared a message on Instagram. He claimed the old clip was revived by people trying to target him over his recent remarks on the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
He said, "A few days ago, I visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and spoke about my feelings. Some people didn't like what I said because it didn't fit their agenda. They wanted to create a narrative and started looking for ways to target and troll me, to abuse me. An entire ecosystem was formed just to attack me. They said many things about me, but I only enjoyed it more because they worked so hard. When they had nothing else, they dug up a six-year-old video of Naseeruddin Shah, hoping to damage my reputation."
The 71-year-old actor clarified that his relationship with Shah remains cordial despite their past differences.
He said, "In reality, Naseer and I have met, hugged each other and respect one another. People even told me to let the matter go because it had been eight or nine months, but they forgot that I had already responded to that video back then and expressed how I felt."
Kher also said that everything he has achieved has come through hard work and that he would continue to stand by his beliefs.
"I want to say this openly: whatever I have achieved, I have earned through my own hard work. I have risen from the ground up with my values, my dedication and by the grace of God and Lord Ram. What exactly are you trying to make me afraid of? You have spent your lives trapped in your own egos. Why are you threatened by my shadow? Keep doing what you want. I will continue to stand by the truth," he added.
Kher also responded to those trolling him. He said his visit to Ayodhya reinforced his belief in speaking the truth. According to him, the Ram Mandir and the city have immense spiritual power. He said one could feel the presence of Lord Ram in every street and corner.
The Kashmir Files actor added that the temple's construction after 500 years proved that truth ultimately prevails. He also said some people would continue searching for new ways to target him. However, those who speak the truth, he added, do not have to remember what they have said because they are not inventing stories.
Concluding his message, Kher wished everyone well and said he was happy. He shared that the film he is currently shooting is progressing well. Describing Ayodhya as an extraordinary place, he said every street, corner and home seemed to bless visitors because of the countless prayers offered there.
Calling himself self-made, Kher said he was not afraid of criticism or abuse. He also recalled his father's advice that if a person does not accept someone's insults, they return to the one who uttered them. He ended by saying that those abusing him were free to continue doing so.
Naseeruddin Shah's old video resurfaces
The actor's response came after a 2020 interview featuring Naseeruddin Shah began circulating online again. In the interview, Shah was asked about members of the film industry who had either criticised or supported the government.
Responding to the question, Shah said, "There are fewer than those who oppose it."
Speaking about Kher, he added, "Someone like Anupam Kher is very vocal. I don't think he needs to be taken seriously. He is a clown. Any number of his contemporaries from NSD and FTII can attest to his sycophantic nature. It's in his blood. He can't help it."
At the time, Kher had responded with a video message on X, saying Shah had a history of criticising several prominent personalities from the film industry.
In his response, Kher said he had never spoken ill of Shah but felt compelled to respond this time. He remarked that Shah had spent his life in frustration despite achieving so much.
The Padma Shri recipient also said that if Shah could criticise personalities such as Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan and Virat Kohli, then he was in good company.
Kher further claimed that none of those personalities had taken Shah's remarks seriously. He also alleged that Shah's long-term substance use had affected his ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
Anupam Kher on Ayodhya Ram Temple theft
During an interview with India Today, Anupam Kher was asked about the theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Responding to the question, the actor described the incident as minor when compared to historical attacks on temples.
Kher said the theft was insignificant when compared to historical attacks on temples. He referred to the destruction of temples during the Mughal era and spoke about the killing of Brahmins, the plundering of temple wealth and the sexual assault of women inside temple premises.
According to him, those were far greater tragedies, and if society could overcome that pain, the present incident was a very small matter in comparison.
He also said people were blowing the issue out of proportion by describing it as the looting of a temple. Reiterating his point, Kher again referred to instances from the Mughal period, including the destruction of temples, the killing of Brahmins, the looting of temple valuables and violence against women. He maintained that those events were much more serious and said the theft at the Ram Temple should be viewed in that context.
The actor will next be seen in Shri Ram Bhoomi, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. He also has Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 in the pipeline.
